Enterprising Flinders joins the Big Idea

Flinders University has signed up for The Big Idea, a national competition that challenges students to develop a concept and business plan for a new social enterprise.

Pioneered this year by The Big Issue magazine and initially run as a pilot between three competing universities, the Big Idea looks to find a novel and viable non-profit enterprise that will assist homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people in the community.

Students from the Flinders Business School and the Flinders School of Social and Policy Studies will participate in the second round of the Big Idea in 2013, joining the five other universities to sign up so far: the University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney, University of Queensland, Murdoch University and La Trobe University.

Students participating in the Big Idea will be provided with lectures, workshops and online seminars delivered by some of Australia’s most influential and inspiring business leaders.

As well having an opportunity for students to gain access to high-profile Australian business leaders, participants will learn about the case for social enterprise in Australia from experts working in the field and hear firsthand from those whose lives have been positively affected by working at a social enterprise.

Dean of the School of Policy and Social Studies, Professor Fiona Verity, said that the concept offered tangible benefits for both the students and the broader community.

“The Big Idea is a program that is very much in sympathy with Flinders University’s tradition of, and reputation for, involvement in community and social justice initiatives. Our students have an abundance of ideas for positive social change,” Professor Verity said.

“And as well as gaining useful experience in working up a business plan that aims to produce positive social consequences, there is a chance that the students’ idea will be put into action nationally by The Big Issue,” she said.

The Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership promoted participation in the Big Idea to groups within the University.

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